According to a new study, cocaine has the most potent effects on the female brain when estrogen levels are at their highest. Read More
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Inhibitory inputs to the neural circuit between the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dlBNST) to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) increase when a person is in chronic pain. This alteration is mediated by enhanced corticotropin-releasing factor signaling within the dlBNST, leading to suppression of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. The result is depressive mood and anhedonia associated with chronic pain. Read More
A new study explains the effects of stress on increased alcohol consumption due to changes in the brain's reward center. Read More
Pnoc neurons in the paranigral ventral tegmental area become active when mice seek rewards. Stimulating these neurons with optogenetics promotes avoidance behaviors. Researchers say ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron NOPR expression is necessary to limit reward-seeking behavior. Read More
Optogenetics helps researchers discover how social behavior and spatial learning are linked in autism. Read More
Researchers have identified a potential mechanism for the development of alcoholism. Read More
Neurons in the caudal pedunculopontine nucleus, an area of the brain that regulates motor coordination, switch neurotransmitters from acetylcholine to GABA as a result of exercise. The switch appears to provide feedback control that regulates motor coordination and skill learning. Read More
Researchers suggest oxytocin could motivate women to help a crying baby. Read More
A neuroimaging study looks at how closely the human-pet relationship mirrors the mother-child bond. Read More
Researchers have discovered a lipid that may act as a 'switch' to increase or decrease the motivation to consume nicotine. Read More
Researchers are using a new brain imaging strategy to understand how to manipulate specific neural circuits in order to help motivate people. Read More
A new study reports mice lacking the Maged1 gene are unable to acquire an addiction to cocaine. Read More
